U.S. women lose 2-1 to Sweden, WWC quarterfinals set

Behind a penalty kick and a deflected free-kick Sweden upset the U.S. 2-1 Wednesday in the Women’s World Cup. The Swedes won Group C with the result and will play Australia in the quarterfinals.

The U.S., which boasted 20-9 advantage in shots, had never lost a group-stage match and must now face Brazil in the knockout round.

Lisa Dahlkvist put Sweden ahead 1-0 on a well-taken penalty kick and Nilla Fischer doubled the lead with a free kick that caromed in favorably off Amy LePeilbet (who had also committed the early foul in the penalty box). The U.S. pulled a goal back late when Abby Wambach shouldered in a corner kick, but that would be the end of it. Hope Solo had her shutout streak end at 797 minutes.